How to Use Self-Reflection

To Increase Your Engagement in an Online Class

Spring 2020 is undoubtedly an unusual (& quite possibly challenging) time to be a college student. This post offers a handful of tips on how to use self reflection to become more invested in your courses as you complete the semester online.

My little (yet spunky) Goddaughter!

Where do I Start?

Consider setting time aside to:

• breathe
• stretch
• think about why each course matters to you

In other words, get as interested in your work as my goddaughter is with her Disney doll.

Next, Ask Yourself:

• How do I learn best? Think about how you learn best (visual, reading, experiencing, etc.). Consider how to take advantage of your learning strengths, but also seek out ways (i.e. reach out to your instructor, campus resource, or a librarian) to improve learning in other ways. For example, if reading can be a challenging way to process information, give yourself more time or try reading out loud.

Consider enlisting an accountability partner. I have my dog Fred.

• How can I get motivated to learn this content? Whether it’s a required course or one that teaches content to help you in a future course or professional role, find a way to get motivated. This might mean sitting down and making a list of the ways the material can open your perspective or offer a chance to practice a skill (shout out: research process!) that can help you down the road. Think big picture.
• In what ways can I interact with the instructor and class to show that I am engaged and participating? If you need to post in a D2L discussion, don’t be afraid to post more than the minimum requirement (unless your instructor explicitly tells you not to). Additionally, if you have questions to ask your peers about readings — ask them and get an online discussion going to foster learning!

Participate ASAP

Participate in class sessions, discussions, and in any other way as soon as possible. Next, make an effort to schedule time to regularly contribute. Demonstrate early and often that you are present and engaged with the class, even if attending virtually.

How? Some examples might include (but are *not* limited to):

Try using email & D2L to start engaging with your class and instructor!

• Post the ideas, insights, and thoughts you gain from course readings and/or discussions in D2L.
• Take notes on class readings (I make a Google Drive Folder for each class), that you can refer back to when typing a D2L post.
• Meet with peers virtually to talk about course content. Reach out to your instructor and let them know you’d like to engage more with them or your peers. They might be willing to email the class or create a virtual meeting that students can opt to attend.

When in doubt — reach out to your instructor! Ask how you’re doing or for feedback. They want you to succeed and the earlier you communicate, the better.

While we cannot speak for your professors, feel free to reach out to a librarian too for support if you need it.

Me! Kate!

Have a library question, suggestion for a blog post, or idea for an online resource we could make and share with students?

Send them to me at kate.otto@marquette.edu. I can include them in a new post or an Instagram story (follow us @marquetteraynor — please!)

Note: *Please, include “BLOG” in the subject line so it alerts me!

Last, need research help while you work remotely? Ask Us!